The Mary-Kate And Ashley Olsen ‘Michelle’ Joke That Was Cut From ‘Fuller House’

Did you already finish binge-watching “Fuller House”? The “Full House” reboot was released on Netflix overnight, reuniting fans with the entire Tanner family, except, of course, Michelle. While it was already confirmed before the premiere that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen wouldn’t be reprising their shared role as Michelle, the series made sure to address the character’s absence within the first five minutes of episode 1.

“Fuller House” follows widowed D.J. Tanner-Fuller (Candace Cameron Bure) as she raises her three boys. Just as Uncle Jesse (John Stamos) and Uncle Joey (Dave Coulier) helped Danny (Bob Saget) raise the girls, Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and Kimmy (Andrea Barber) decide to move in with D.J. to help her out. The premiere episode of “Fuller House” set up the plot by bringing together the entire family — including Uncle Jesse’s and Aunt Becky’s (Lori Loughlin) twin sons Alex (Dylan Tuomy-Wilhoit) and Nicky (Blake Tuomy-Wilhoit) — for a big breakfast in the old Tanner kitchen.

“Where’s my little sis?” Stephanie (Jodi Sweetin) asks in a British accent after she hugs the entire Tanner gang. (Stephanie recently flew back from London.)

“Well, Michelle sends her love, but she’s busy in New York running her fashion empire,” Danny tells his middle daughter. It’s a reference to the Olsen twins’ current career as clothing designers for Elizabeth & James and The Row, but the cast has a little fun with it: Everybody turns to give the camera a look.

That’s what made it on screen, but, according to People magazine, the cast did a couple of takes with their response to Michelle’s absence. The outlet reported that another shot of the scene featured Uncle Jesse “bemoaning Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen’s decision to not reprise their role as Michelle on the show.”

“One episode!” Stamos reportedly shouted. He even pretended to get a phone call from the twins’ lawyer after cracking the joke.

Michelle may not make an appearance this season, but executive producer Jeff Franklin is still keeping his fingers crossed that the Olsen twins will find their way to “Fuller House” at some point. He revealed to the Hollywood Reporter this week that his goal was for fans to see Michelle “from time to time,” as is the case with Danny, Joey, Jesse and Becky. Although a second season is not official, he explained he’s “hopeful” that they will appear in the future.

All 13 episodes of “Fuller House” are currently available to stream via Netflix.